EU reinforces human rights-related sanctions against Burma/Myanmar

The EU has extended existing sanctions against Burma/Myanmar, while adding new embargo measures in response to alleged human rights violations against Rohingya and other minorities. Also, there is now a framework enabling future asset freeze restrictions against responsible officials.

Following the lifting of a majority of EU sanctions against Burma/Myanmar in 2013, existing measures consist of an arms embargo and an embargo on listed equipment that might be used for internal repression. Those sanctions have now been extended by one year, until 30 April 2019.1

The new Burma/Myanmar sanctions, introduced through Regulation 2018/647 on 27 April 2018,2 are:

a general ban on the direct or indirect sale, supply, transfer or export of any dual-use items3 for military or Border Guard Police (end-)use (and certain related services and assistance); and

export restrictions in relation to listed equipment, technology or software for monitoring or interception of internet and phone communications (and certain related services and assistance).

In addition, the EU has introduced a legal framework for future asset freeze and travel restrictions against persons from the Myanmar Armed Forces (Tatmadaw) and the Border Guard Police considered responsible for serious human rights violations and related obstruction. No such persons have been listed yet.

There is also now a general ban on the provision of military training to or military cooperation with the Myanmar Armed Forces and the Border Guard Police.